HELMHOLTZ, H[ermann L.F. von].

8vo, pp. 43, 1 leaf (contents and imprint), 1 leaf (blank), engraved plate with three figures from original drawings by Helmholtz. Old stamp of Dr. Nadoll(?) of Zürich in upper corner of title, some spotting especially on the title-page. Original yellow printed wrappers (slightly dust soiled, spine torn), uncut.

FIRST EDITION. The original description of the ophthalmoscope, invented by Helmholtz, one of the greatest events in the history of ophthalmology. “The introduction of the ophthalmoscope was the most significant advance in ophthalmology since the development of cataract surgery and marked the beginning of modern ophthalmology” (Albert). This instrument made it possible to examine the fundus of the living eye, which in the words of the great ophthalmologist von Graefe “unfolded to us a new world” (Ency. Brit.), and greatly improved the ability to diagnose diseases of the eye. G&M 5866. Grolier One Hundred (Medicine), 65. Lilly, Notable Medical Books, 205. Parkinson, Breakthroughs, 1851. Albert, Dates in Ophthalmology, 1851. Norman Catalogue 1041. This copy has the name of P. Jeanrenaud in the imprint on the title-page and not on the upper wrapper (as in the Grolier exhibition copy, the copy Helmholtz gave to his wife); another issue has the reverse.